Why ADC Should Present Candidates Like Obi, Amaechi – Osinbajo Ex-Aide Reveals

A former aide to Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, Laolu Akande, has called on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to present strong and experienced southern politicians such as Rotimi Amaechi and Peter Obi as presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

Akande said the opposition must begin early preparations if it hopes to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.

According to him, the ADC should consider credible political figures from the southern part of the country who possess deep governance experience and national appeal.

He made the remarks on Friday while appearing on Sunrise Daily, a programme aired on Channels Television.

During the interview, Akande stressed that opposition parties must take strategic decisions if they intend to mount a serious contest in 2027.

“If they were serious, people like Rotimi Amaechi, people like Peter Obi ought to be the ones to be pushed forward,” he said.

Akande pointed to Amaechi’s long record in public service as an example of the type of leadership the opposition should promote. He noted that the former Rivers governor has held several influential positions in Nigeria’s political space.

“Look at Amaechi. Amaechi has been a speaker, he’s been a governor, he’s been a minister. He was second in the APC,” Akande said.

The former presidential aide added that Amaechi’s political background gives him an advantage in national politics, particularly in areas relating to governance and infrastructure development.

“Tremendous career in politics, opportunities in service. And he was the guy that was in charge of infrastructure development.”

Akande argued that presenting a credible southern candidate could create a strong contest against Tinubu, who also hails from the South-West. He said the opposition must focus on individuals with governance credentials and national recognition.

According to him, such candidates would be able to stand “head-to-head against President Tinubu.”

Akande also warned that if opposition parties fail to rally behind a formidable candidate, former vice president Atiku Abubakar could continue to dominate opposition politics as the 2027 election approaches.

“As things stand now, if you keep on getting the vibes that Atiku wants to do it by his means, he will probably be able to forge his way through by some means, because he seems to be the strongest politician in the party. The shadows of Atiku are still hanging heavily,” he said.

He added that opposition parties must carefully consider their strategy and leadership choices if they intend to present a viable alternative in the next presidential race.